Swiss Could Vote for More Nature, Less Construction, Poll Finds
- Some 51% for stronger environmental safeguards in constitution
- Government says plan threatens growth and renewable energy
In the poll — published by public broadcaster SRG SSR on Friday — 51% of respondents are in favor of the measure, while 43% oppose it.
Photographer: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images
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A slim majority of Swiss voters are in favor of limiting construction and agriculture to better protect nature and biodiversity, according to a first poll ahead of a plebiscite next month.
Environmental organizations are pushing to amend the constitution to include stronger protection of nature reserves. The government and parliament are against the measure, saying it’s as a threat to economic growth, farming and the installation of new renewable power plants. The vote is scheduled for Sept. 22.